A coroner has warned that more e-scooter riders could die unless the government mandates helmet use, following the death of a Nottingham man days before his wedding.
Scott Catton, 53, was riding a private e-scooter on Ridgeway in Top Valley on June 5, 2025, when a car door opened in front of him. He fell and suffered a serious head injury, dying two days later in Queen's Medical Centre.
Assistant coroner Karen Boyle said there is no requirement for e-scooter riders to wear helmets, despite their vulnerability on roads. She wrote to the Department for Transport, stating that future deaths could occur without action.
The DfT responded that private e-scooters are illegal on public roads, and rental trial guidance strongly recommends helmets. Any new regulations would require public consultation.
Forensic investigator Andy Bell said a helmet would have reduced the severity of Catton's injuries but could not confirm it would have saved his life. Catton was found to be over the drink-drive limit and had cocaine in his system, though the coroner said it was unclear if this affected his ability to avoid the crash.
The driver who opened the door, Lauren Bardill, pleaded guilty to opening a vehicle door so as to injure or endanger a person and was fined £160 plus costs.
